Just bought a MINT '86

359 Pete

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Bought a 1986 crew cab in mint condition. It was as if the guy kept in a garage since '86. It is a 4x2 with a C6. Are the C6's very reliable in a diesel application. I have plenty of knowledge of Manual Trans. but I am new to the C6. It's got the banks on it. I am going to put a Dana 60 under it to convert it to a 4x4. The plan is to keep it in mint condition, garaged and use it for family trips. It seems like it could use another gear at highway speeds. This is the truck I wanted in '86 less the 4x2 and the auto. but it is mint.
 

359 Pete

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The gear ratio is 3.55. At 55-60 MPH it tachs in the neighborhood of 2250 to 2300. I would like to cruise that thing on the Interstate at 75-72 MPH. I will not drive that fast unless I have to due to the higher revs. This truck is like fine wine every year she got better. I am so jacked on this truck. No dents straight, interior is orignal like 1986, Damm.
 

f-two-fiddy

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The sweet spot for power is right about where You sit now, 2100-2200.

The sweet spot for fuel mileage is down a bit more, at about 1600-1800
 

88 Ford

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Some of your problem with it hitting about 2300 rpm is your C6 tranny. Its only a 3 speed so that will affect your rpm. For better mileage you could add a Gear Vendors overdrive or a zf 5 transmission.
 

david85

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Bought a 1986 crew cab in mint condition. It was as if the guy kept in a garage since '86. It is a 4x2 with a C6. Are the C6's very reliable in a diesel application. I have plenty of knowledge of Manual Trans. but I am new to the C6. It's got the banks on it. I am going to put a Dana 60 under it to convert it to a 4x4. The plan is to keep it in mint condition, garaged and use it for family trips. It seems like it could use another gear at highway speeds. This is the truck I wanted in '86 less the 4x2 and the auto. but it is mint.

I see you are in california. That probably explains the good condition;Sweet A garage kept truck from cali. Now thats a real prize...:eek:

If you were to leave the truck as a 2wd, then you could just swap to 3.08 gears and you would be good to cruise at 70 MPH and still get decent fuel economy. But going to 4wd makes that impossible since a dana 60 only goes down to 3.54 gears.

Transmission swap to an E4OD automatic, or ZF5 speed or adding a gear vendors are your only options.
 

359 Pete

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I am not sure how to get pics. on the computer. But I will try to figure it out. As far as the sweet spot for power I would agree. I would like to drive it with out going 62 MPH. I don't want to beat her up by driving 70-75. On craigs list I have posted a want ; gear vendor for a 1356 T Case. Those things are not easy to find. I think I like the 86 more than the 2008 6.4. THe power is tremedous in the 6.4 with the Elite programmer but the 86 is the ride I wanted in 86 that I could afford then. The truck is just classy It is just so freakin great. If I could have a fleet of them I think I would. I think I am going to go drive it right now.
 

359 Pete

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What is a moose pump? Is it a IP? If so what else would you use in conjunction with it for increased ponies?
 

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